Take the beauty of Northern Michigan wherever you go! From elegant jewelry to quirky knickknacks to pet items, find something for all your loved ones by shopping at the 2022 Red Hot Best winners for jewelry, gift and pet stores.
Take a Red Hot Best Road Trip! Grab the June issue with ALL the Red Hot Best winners and take the list with you as you make your way across Northern Michigan this summer. Find out what makes each winner RED HOT BEST! Available for a limited time only, grab your RHB issue here.
Best of the Above the Bridge Region
Place to Buy Jewelry: Little Luxuries, Mackinac Island
A popular boutique for kitschy, charming jewelry, Little Luxuries carries an assortment of bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Some collections include Michigan-themed necklaces and beaded bracelets with motivational messages. Beyond jewelry, Little Luxuries also sells clothing, bath products, candles and more at their store in Downtown Mackinac Island and online.
Place to Buy A Gift: Pink Pony Store, Mackinac Island
Stop in for a drink and leave with a quirky souvenir! As a part of Pink Pony restaurant and bar, the gift shop is stocked full with Pink Pony merchandise like t-shirts, hair accessories, stickers and more. Each item is as quirky and pink as the restaurant itself, and many visitors buy souvenirs while waiting to be seated at a table. There’s also an online shop for shoppers to buy their favorite Pink Pony items after they’ve left the Island.
Place to Buy Pet Items: Caddywampus, Mackinac Island
Located in Downtown Mackinac Island, Caddywampus is an eclectic novelty shop with a variety of treasures to delight any visitor – including your pets! From home decor to retro toys, the variety of unique finds at Caddywampus makes it popular among tourists. If you’re looking for a place to stay after a day of shopping on the island, book a room at Mission Point Resort, the 2022 Red Hot Best Winner for Dog-Friendly Business Above the Bridge!
Photo by Dave Weidner
Outside of Little Luxuries boutique on Mackinac Island.
View the full list of the Above the Bridge Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Best of the Benzie & Leelanau Region
Place to Buy Jewelry: Becky Thatcher Designs
For jewelry that connects the essence of Pure Michigan with wonders overseas, look no further than Becky Thatcher Designs. Accessories adorned with locally-sourced gems match beautifully with those featuring stones from all over the world. With stores in Leland, Traverse City, Glen Arbor and online, everyone can enjoy the natural charm of Becky Thatcher Designs.
Place to Buy A Gift: Poppy Things, Suttons Bay
Centered around caring for people and the planet, Poppy Things is a shop composed of goods made by local artisans. From French-inspired frocks to handmade tea towels, there’s a carefully-crafted gift for all of your family and friends. Besides retail, Poppy Things hosts a variety of events, including pop-ups and workshops, throughout the year. Head to its website for more information on these and to survey all the goods Poppy Things has available.
Place to Buy Pet Items: Hillside Market, Suttons Bay
Hillside Market has food for all of your furry friends. Specializing in dog, cat and farm animal feed, the pet supply store also sells special toys and treats. Fans praise Hillside Market for its unique, quality products and the owner’s extensive knowledge on the best feed for your pet. After purchasing a treat for your dog, head south to St. Ambrose Cellars, the 2022 Red Hot Best Winner for Dog-Friendly Business in this region, to treat yourself!
Merchandise at Poppy Things in Suttons Bay.
View the full list of the Benzie & Leelanau Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Best of the Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington Region
Place to Buy Jewelry: CC Jewelers of Manistee, Manistee
Carrying a wide variety of fine jewelry, CC Jewelers of Manistee prides itself on having the perfect piece for any occasion. Guests are particularly impressed with the staff’s careful attention to detail when selecting jewelry for engagements and weddings. CC Jewelers also offers a variety of services to repair and restore any accessory to its prime condition.
Place to Buy A Gift: The Ideal Kitchen, Manistee
From specialty cutlery to popcorn makers, The Ideal Kitchen has everything to make you feel like a five-star chef. The selection of brand-name products available promises quality for your cooking, and the owners’ knowledge on all things culinary can guide you to exactly what you need for your next meal. If you’re unsure what to make, check out The Ideal Kitchen’s website for recipes ranging from savory starters to delectable desserts.
Place to Buy Pet Items: Family Farm & Home, Cadillac
Family Farm & Home in Cadillac carries an extensive list of products for all your outdoor and home needs. Between hardware, livestock supplies and sporting goods, Family Farm & Home is a one-stop shop that ensures fair prices and kind service. After running errands for your pup, take a day trip to Ludington and dine at Ludington Bay Brewing Co., the region’s 2022 Red Hot Best Winner for Dog-Friendly Business.
A cutting board from The Ideal Kitchen in Manistee.
View the full list of the Cadillac, Manistee and Ludington Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Best of Charlevoix & The Chain of Lakes Region
Place to Buy Jewelry: SPUDS, Boyne City
Located in Downtown Boyne City, SPUDS is an eclectic shop full of quirky gifts for every corner of your house, but its rustic jewelry is a true gem. The necklaces are just the right amount of busy, eccentric without being too gaudy, and they add whimsical flair to any outfit. Stop in to find a funny and fabulous gift for all of your family and friends.
Place to Buy A Gift: The Lake House, Charlevoix
For gifts and home decor that exude the simple elegance of beachside living, head to The Lake House in Downtown Charlevoix. Michigan-themed rugs and jewelry are displayed alongside locally-produced maple syrups, spices and more, carrying all you need to make your home feel and look true to the wonders of Northern Michigan. The Lake House also has an online store to buy goodies from anywhere.
Place to Buy Pet Items: Tractor Supply Co., Boyne City
A hub for all things farm and home, Tractor Supply Co. has everything to keep your pets happy and healthy in Northern Michigan. Look out for local wildlife with backyard birdhouses or find a complete guide for first-time dog or cat owners. Once you’ve picked up a treat for your four-legged friends, drive over to The Back Lot in Charlevoix, a food truck collective that is the 2022 Red Hot Best Winner for Dog-Friendly Business in The Chain of Lakes region.
A Michigan puzzle from The Lake House in Charlevoix.
View the full list of the Charlevoix and The Chain of Lakes Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Best of the Kalkaska, Gaylord & Grayling Region
Place to Buy Jewelry: Hogan’s Jewelers, Gaylord
Hogan’s Jewelers in Gaylord is praised for its wide selection of fine jewelry and kind, helpful service. From classic-cut wedding bands to modern pendants, each piece exudes luxury and lifetime quality. Additional jewelry care services include custom designing, engraving, resizing and more to ensure your jewelry is in top condition.
Place to Buy A Gift: The Old Spud Warehouse, Gaylord
Based in a refurbished potato farmers co-op building, The Old Spud Warehouse promises one-of-a-kind gifts for anyone on your shopping list. Bohemian-chic clothing and witty greeting cards sit alongside the store’s collection of “frankenfurniture,” offering something fun and unique in each corner of the warehouse. Bring friends and family here to browse and be entertained by all the store has available.
Place to Buy Pet Items: Natural Farm Store / Lodi Trading Company, Kalkaska
A family-run business, Natural Farm Store / Lodi Trading Company has supplies for your farm, home and pets. Fans recommend their excellent plants and flowers in the warmer months, and the treats for four-legged friends ensures everyone in the family is satisfied. After shopping, stop for a drink at Rolling Oak Brewing Co., the region’s 2022 Red Hot Best Winner for Dog-Friendly Business.
Photo by Lauren McCain
In front of The Old Spud Warehouse in Gaylord.
View the full list of the Kalkaska, Gaylord and Grayling Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Best of Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits Region
life Place to Buy Jewelry: Ward and Eis Gallery, Petoskey
With handmade jewelry, leather goods, wall art and more, Ward and Eis Gallery in Downtown Petoskey has the feel of a carefully curated art collection that lets you take the pieces home! The organic designs and sturdy quality are based on Native American craft techniques, highlighting the indigenous art of the area. Furthermore, Ward and Eis Gallery makes significant donations to Northern Michigan charities each year, so you can leave satisfied with your purchase on all ends.
Place to Buy A Gift: Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts, Petoskey
Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts celebrates life in Northern Michigan with its vast array of locally-produced goodies. Find Petoskey stones, Michi-gummies, mugs and more on display in-store, or send them all along to a loved one in a custom-made gift basket. It’s the perfect store for locals and tourists alike to represent Northern Michigan, no matter where you’re from.
Place to Buy Pet Items: Ruff Life Pet Outfitters, Petoskey
Founded on the principle of ensuring that you and your four-legged friends live life to the fullest Up North, Ruff Life Pet Outfitters carries a wide range of dog-care products and dog-themed gifts. You can shop at their physical store in Downtown Petoskey or online to treat your pups from anywhere. If all the shopping makes you hungry, head over to The Back Lot Petoskey, a food truck hub that won the 2022 Red Hot Best award for best Dog-Friendly Business in the region.
Photo by Jon-Paul Allgaier
A Petoskey stone souvenir from Grandpa Shorter’s in Petoskey.
View the full list of the Petoskey, Harbor Springs and The Straits Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.
Best of Traverse City
Place to Buy Jewelry: Miner’s North Jewelers
Miner’s North Jewelers promises Michigan luxury unlike any other. With its exclusively cut Lakeshore Diamonds and custom design services, everyone can find the perfect piece to match their style and price point. The expert staff helps to ensure you find the exact product you’re looking for, and the variety of jewelry refurbishing services helps to protect it for years to come.
Place to Buy A Gift: Nifty Things!
A local chain of gift shops, Nifty Things has something fun for everyone. Quirky and humorous gifts can be found alongside delicate jewelry, cute wall art and more. Tourists frequently fill up the store to find original souvenirs, and locals enjoy the unique gifts that can delight all of their loved ones. Nifty Things is especially great for families with young children shopping in Downtown TC.
Place to Buy Pet Items: Pets Naturally
On a mission to help your furry friends live happily and healthily in Northern Michigan, Pets Naturally carries nutrient-rich pet food and supplements in addition to toys and other goodies. Also on-site are self-serve pet washes, a perfect place for tourists to scrub their pup after outdoor adventures. Once you’re done grabbing good food for your pet, head downtown to The Little Fleet, the 2022 Red Hot Best Winner for Dog-Friendly Business in the area, to find a delicious meal for you!
Photo by Dave Weidner
Seasonal treats for your pup at Pets Naturally in Traverse City.
View the full list of the Traverse City Red Hot Best winners to find the best breweries, events and more.